An AC PDP has a plurality of addressable subpixel sites, each subpixel site including an address electrode positioned on one substrate and first and second sustain electrodes positioned on an opposed substrate. An intersection between the address electrode and the first sustain electrode defines a first discharge site and an intersection between the address electrode and the second electrode defines a second discharge site. A scan driver is active during an address phase, and applies a negative going signal to the first sustain electrode. An address driver applies an address signal to the address electrode which creates a discharge at the first discharge site. As a result, a positive column moves along the address electrode to the second discharge site and causes a discharge thereat which induces a wall voltage at the second discharge site in accordance with a determined subpixel value. A sustain driver applies a sustain signal to both the first sustain electrode and the second sustain electrode and creates a "ping pong" action of the wall charge states at the discharge sites and enables the use of positive column light emission in the PDP.